The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes in the Gaza Strip, adding to pressure on the country’s leadership over the conduct of its military campaign against Hamas.
The Hague-based court’s announcement on Thursday followed a request by the ICC’s chief prosecutor to judges in May, and relates to Israel’s ongoing war against the Iran-backed militant group. The court also issued warrants for former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, who Israel says was killed in Gaza months ago.
The Israeli government has repeatedly denied the allegations and said its operations against Hamas — designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. — comply with international laws.